| Tauck slams rebating

TAUCK vp global sales Steven Spivak this week reaffirmed the company’s strong stance on discounting, which he said “undermines the integrity of our industry” and destroys the livelihood of travel agents.

Spivak told CW Tauck used to see people from the Australian market booking in the US through agencies that would offer a rebate in 2014, but now agencies found to be rebating were banned from selling the product.

“We take a very firm stand and we say ‘no more’ and what that says to agents is ‘I’m protected if I sell Tauck,'” he said.

“The difference between that and some other companies is when they say ‘we don’t want agents discounting’ what they really mean is ‘we want to be the only ones discounting.'”

Spivak said because Tauck took the time to plan experiences, and priced them fairly, they were never in a position to offer two-for-one, free air or discounts.